Lismore Church (Appin and Lismore)
Scottish Charity no. SC015795
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A warm welcome awaits you within the congregation here on Lismore. We trust the information below will tell you of who we are, when we meet and how to be in touch.
Worship: every Sunday at 12.30pm in the church.
Communion: first Sunday of March, June, September and December.
Easter: children’s egg hunt.
Christmas: family Christingle Service.
We also have united worship with Appin Parish Church, along with services to mark the World Day of Prayer, St. Moluag’s Day, and various other occasions.
Our minister is happy to be contacted should you wish to arrange a baptism or wedding. In the sad event of a funeral, he is most willing to conduct a service.
Who we are
We are a congregation of the Church of Scotland, united with Appin, within the Presbytery of Cleir Eilean I. Our worshipping congregation is thoroughly ecumenical with Presbyterians praising God together with Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Methodists and Orthodox – all are welcome as one.
In Christ’s name, we seek to serve the people of Lismore and beyond in a spirit of openness and welcome. Whether you are settling on the island or here for a holiday, you will quickly feel at home in church.
Church Building
Our church sanctuary is very special. Parts of the structure date back to the 13th Century. Recently, the church building along with the church house came under the direct control of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland. This is with a view to the ‘island’ taking ownership and overseeing an inspiring renovation. (See other page on this website). The Kirk Session and congregation are fully supportive of the SCIO Kilmoluag Liosmor which is leading the initiative and island on this future focussed project which celebrates the ancient living traditions of Lismore.
Gaelic
A good number of Gaelic speakers worship within our congregation and each Sunday the Gospel is read in the language of the angels.
Minister
Rev Dugald Cameron
Dugald was born in Glasgow growing up in Partick and Scotstoun. He was educated at Victoria Drive Secondary, before becoming an accountancy trainee. He studied at the University of Edinburgh gaining a BD, Dip. Min. and MTh. He also studied at Tubingen University and UTC Bangalore, India. Licensed by Presbytery of Dumbarton, he was assistant at Edinburgh: South Leith, and ordained by Presbytery of Gordon as Associate Minister at Inverurie: St Andrew’s. Inducted to Edinburgh: St Martin’s in 1992. Later he transferred to Glasgow: St John’s Renfield. In 2007, he moved to Kilmore and Oban. At the end of Oct 2021 Dugald was inducted to the Parishes of Appin and Lismore. Moderator of Presbytery of Argyll 2017-18. He has presented worship on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2, 3, 4.
Dugald is married to Kirsten. Daughters Christiana and Islay are both away studying at University. His interests include football - Hearts and Partick Thistle – rugby, having played for 20 years, walking in the Highlands and Southern Germany, Scottish and European history, all things Gaelic and singing with Oban Gaelic Choir.
Compliance
Our congregation takes our responsibilities with all seriousness. Our island Safeguarding Panel member is Rosemary Barry. Copies of our policies on GDPR and Conflict of Interest can be obtained from the minister.
Contact
Rev Dugald Cameron
The Manse
11 Tynribbie Place
Appin
Argyll
PA38 4DS Tel: 01631 730280
Historical interest within the church
Communion Tokens
Two hundred years ago, in 1806, our Communion Tokens were cast. In the 19th century, of course, to receive a token meant being examined by the Kirk Session as to one’s worthiness to receive the sacrament. As these people of old revered the token and the Communion it gave them access to so do we in Lismore today, though without the interview.
One is given to each person as they enter Church and all the tokens are collected in just before Communion is served, the hush in Church while this is being done providing a quiet time for thought and prayer.
Made of lead, octagonal and about 0.8 of an inch wide, the token has the date, 1806, the initials J.S. for the minister of the Parish, Rev. John Stewart, and L & A. for Lismore and Appin.
Just think of all the unknown hands which have held these tokens and their place in the two hundred years of history which have affected our Church and island.
The Pulpit Fall
Our beautiful and unusual Pulpit Fall was commissioned by the Woman’s Guild to mark the Centenary of the Guild in 1987. The designer, and embroiderer, was the late Elizabeth Odling, a much loved lady artist who had formerly lectured at the Glasgow School of Art and who retired to Lismore with her husband Ted. The fabric is mostly silk in shades of blues and purples for the sky, and greens for the island, silver material for the sea and gold for the sun with sequins to add sparkle. It is unique in design and is as stunning today as it was when Elizabeth made it.
The Sedilia
Alcoves on the south wall in which there would have been wooden seats for three priests. At that time the floor was about three feet lower.
The Piscina
Where the Communion vessels were washed, and situated next to the sedilia.
The Church Windows
The Artist of the St Moluag and St Columba windows, Mary Isobel Wood (1886-1975), was the second child of John Philip Wood and Margaret E Tennent. Born and brought up in Edinburgh, she trained at Edinburgh College [of Art] where she later taught stained glass. Apart from Lismore, she also has a window of St Cuthbert in St Cuthberts Church, Edinburgh, a memorial window for her family in Bowden Kirk, Melrose and windows in Kirkliston and Athelstaneford Kirks. She was also Herald Painter to the Lyon Court and made memorable lino cut Christmas cards. Her studio was in William Street Lane, Edinburgh
